Splenic Syndrome in a Young Man at High Altitude with Undetected Sickle Cell Trait

Splenic syndrome is a rare presentation of sickle cell disease. It is important to rule out this possibility when an ethnically vulnerable patient presents with an acute abdominal symptoms in a background of precipitating events.

A 26-year-old man who developed a severe abdominal pain at high altitude, found to have a tender splenomegaly. However, further inquiry revealed he is from an area where sickle cell disease is prevalent. Screening for sickle cell disease was positive. Radiological investigations confirmed a massive splenic infarction keeping with a diagnosis of splenic syndrome. Patient was managed conservatively.

Sickle cell trait is considered a benign carrier state. However, rarely they can present with life-threatening conditions. Therefore, a high degree of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis of these specific entities to avoid increased morbidity and mortality of these patients.